Closing the Gap for English Language Learners - Among the fastest-growing student groups are those not proficient enough in English to benefit adequately from classroom instruction, according to this brief. So it has become increasingly important that assessments establish access and accommodation strategies to address these studentsí linguistic capacities and needs. Massachusetts has developed new standards and assessments and moved ahead with educator preparation and development by imposing requirements at every level for training in Sheltered English Immersion (SEI). Between 2012 and 2016, 26,000 teachers and administrators will be required to complete SEI training. (Rennie Center, September 2013)...